Casing Leaks
In repairing the casing leaks, one can either (1) isolate the leak with a packer (inexpensive) or (2) replace the casing (very expensive). Casing leaks can cause1 loss of production and. possibly, eventual loss of a well. The log of cumulative1 leaks is often a linear function of time (Fig. 6.6). The curve is often an approximate one, because in many cases casing leaks can go undetected for long time. In many cases, however, the extrapolation of the leak-frequency versus time curve is surprisingly accurate and can aid in an economic analysis (feasibility of cathodic protection).
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YEARS BEFORE AND AFTER PROTECTION
Fig. 6.6: Leak frequency, C’lairmont Field. Kent County. TX. (After Kirklen. 1973, fig. 4; courtesy of the SPE.)